News

25.01.2011

The role of contemporary art in changing societies will be discussed by global art experts, philanthropists and artists at the 4th Davos Philanthropic Roundtable

On Thursday, 27 January, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation will conduct its 4th Davos Philanthropic Roundtable entitled “modernARTization: Art and Philanthropy Changing Societies”. The overarching topic of the Roundtable discussion will be the role of art and philanthropy in a society’s transformation. This is one of the major events dedicated to philanthropy that is traditionally held during the Annual World Economic Forum Meeting.

Among the guests of honour will be artist Damien Hirst (Great Britain) and Rachel Teagle, Director of the New Children’s Museum (USA) and also writer Paulo Coelho (Brazil) as moderator of the discussion.

The key topics to be discussed by the panellists will be: the impact of modern art on development of a society and an individual; the role of art in promotion of creative thinking; the role of philanthropists in bringing about groundbreaking art and making it accessible for society; relations between philanthropists and governments when implementing large scale art projects and etc.

Contemporary art is a major modernizing force, changing people’s thinking by stimulating their imagination and transcending borders – to create successful, competitive, open and sustainable societies for the 21st Century. Supporters of contemporary art and those who provide access to art boost society by encouraging modernization and supporting development. Philanthropists can act as trailblazers and have significant impact in countries where state support is lacking or limited by budget constraints.

The target audience for contemporary art must be a new generation – the part of society most susceptible to new ideas. Therefore, wide outreach and free access to the contemporary works of art is a significant task faced by society and philanthropists in the first place.

More than 300 people have signed in for participation in the 4th Philanthropic Roundtable, including the World Economic Forum participants, representatives of business, media, philanthropic and non-profit organisations.

Davos Philanthropic Roundtable organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation is one of the largest specialized events on philanthropy held during the World Economic Forum. Over the last four years this event brings together internationally renowned philanthropists, businessmen, politicians and public leaders to discuss state-of-the-art approaches in philanthropy and eventually inspire future global philanthropists. Since 2007 the Roundtable panellists have included, among others, Tony Blair, Sir Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, Bill and Melinda Gates, Jet Li, Shimon Peres, and Muhammad Yunus.